When the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy over the course of a lifetime, the term we use for this is “cataract.”
(For a refresher on basic eye anatomy, click here.)
Patients approach me often with concerns about cataract. The most common question is this: “My mom/dad developed cataract and had to have surgery. Does that mean I will too? Does cataract run in the family?”
The answer to this question is simple and should not be frightening!
Everybody begins to develop cataract as they age into their 40’s or 50’s. Having cataract does not always mean that a person needs surgery!
Surprised? Read below for more explanation.
Why does cataract form?
The lenses in our eyes are made mostly of clear proteins that are held in place by a thin, elastic capsule. Early in life, these proteins allow light to pass through cleanly and focus on the retina.
Hidden away at the sides of the lens live a grouping of stem cells that continue to produce these proteins over the course of a lifetime. As more and more proteins are made, they get packed tighter and tighter into the space enclosed within the lens capsule. Over time, this causes the lens to become denser and turn a shade of yellowish-brown. Once the lens no longer looks perfectly clear, we start to call it a cataract.
Are there different kinds of cataracts?
Yes, there are! Below is an explanation of the most common types. Some patients’ cataracts have more than one of these described features.
- Nuclear cataract – This is the common, age-related cataract that is caused by the production of lens proteins described in the paragraph above. This tends to gradually worsen over time.
- Cortical cataract – This occurs when portions of the cataract turn partially to liquid. The most common symptom of cortical cataract is glare.
- Posterior subcapsular cataract – This occurs when an extra-thick portion of the cataract develops at its back surface. This can make the vision quite blurry and develop rapidly – even over days or weeks.
Besides these common examples, cataract may form from other causes including trauma, previous eye surgeries, and certain medical conditions. Some people are even born with cataracts!
Can cataract be prevented?
For folks that live into middle-age, cataract formation is practically guaranteed. No vitamin, supplement, or medication has been proven to prevent the development of cataract in humans. Research on this topic is always underway – especially considering how many people could be affected by a potential discovery!
A few recommendations may help delay the formation of cataracts:
- Wearing sunglasses while outdoors
- Controlling and treating chronic medical conditions such as diabetes
- Eating a well-balanced, nutritious diet
- Avoiding cigarette smoke
How is cataract treated?
In its mild stages, cataract may be asymptomatic and not require any treatment.
As cataracts progress, they may begin to affect the vision. Fortunately, these early vision changes are often easily corrected with a new glasses prescription. It is most common for patients to become more near-sighted as their cataracts worsen.
Eventually, a cataract will become so dense that even glasses can’t focus the vision to an acceptable quality. Symptoms often include difficulty with driving (especially at night) or reading. When cataract is causing visual disability that can’t be corrected through conservative measures, we often suggest cataract surgery.